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Axt CW, Springer A, Strube C, Jung C, Naucke TJ, Müller E, Schäfer I. Molecular and Serological Detection of Vector-Borne Pathogens Responsible for Equine Piroplasmosis in Europe between 2008 and 2021. Microorganisms 2024; 12:816. [PMID: 38674760 PMCID: PMC11051957 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is caused by Theileria (T.) equi and/or Babesia (B.) caballi. The aim was to assess the percentage of positive test results for EP in horses in Europe and to identify risk factors for pathogen contact/infection. This study included results from PCR and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing requested by European veterinarians between 2008 and 2021. Binary bivariate logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors. A total of 4060 horses were included. PCR testing was positive in 9.7% (154/1589), serology for T. equi in 15.2% (393/2591) and for B. caballi in 6.8% (175/2578). The odds of positive serology increased by 6.8% (B. caballi, p = 0.008) and 9.5% (T. equi, p < 0.001) each year. Regionality had a statistically significant impact on PCR (Eastern p = 0.047/OR = 1.605; Southern p = 0.029/OR = 1.451; Central p = 0.007/OR = 0.617) and serological testing for T. equi (Southern p < 0.001/OR = 2.521; Central p < 0.001/OR = 0.537; Northern p = 0.003/OR = 0.462), as well as breeds on seroprevalence of B. caballi (heavy horses: p = 0.016/OR = 2.239) and T. equi (ponies: p = 0.007/OR = 0.340; warmbloods: p = 0.025/OR = 1.602). In conclusion, there was a significant geographical impact on the results of PCR and serology, consistent with known vector habitats. The rising numbers of horses tested serologically positive highlights the importance of surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Wiebke Axt
- LABOKLIN GmbH and Co. KG, Steubenstraße 4, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany; (C.W.A.); (E.M.)
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Clarissa Jung
- LABOKLIN GmbH and Co. KG, Steubenstraße 4, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany; (C.W.A.); (E.M.)
| | - Torsten J. Naucke
- LABOKLIN GmbH and Co. KG, Steubenstraße 4, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany; (C.W.A.); (E.M.)
| | - Elisabeth Müller
- LABOKLIN GmbH and Co. KG, Steubenstraße 4, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany; (C.W.A.); (E.M.)
| | - Ingo Schäfer
- LABOKLIN GmbH and Co. KG, Steubenstraße 4, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany; (C.W.A.); (E.M.)
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Jongejan F, Du C, Papadopoulos E, Blanda V, Di Bella S, Cannella V, Guercio A, Vicari D, Tirosh-Levy S, Steinman A, Baneth G, van Keulen S, Hulsebos I, Berger L, Wang X. Diagnostic performance of a rapid immunochromatographic test for the simultaneous detection of antibodies to Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in horses and donkeys. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:160. [PMID: 38549117 PMCID: PMC10979598 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06253-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine piroplasmosis is caused by two tick-borne protozoan parasites, Theileria equi and Babesia caballi,, which are clinically relevant in susceptible horses, donkeys, and mules. Moreover, equine piroplasmosis significantly constrains international trading and equestrian events. Rapidly diagnosing both parasites in carrier animals is essential for implementing effective control measures. Here, a rapid immunochromatographic test for the simultaneous detection of antibodies to T. equi and B. caballi was evaluated using samples from horses and donkeys collected in Greece, Israel, and Italy. The results were compared with an improved competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) for detecting antibodies to both parasites using the same panel of samples. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 255 horses and donkeys. The panel consisted of 129 horses sampled at four locations in northern Greece, 105 donkeys sampled at four locations in Sicily, and 21 horses sampled at two locations in Israel. The rapid test and the cELISA were performed according to the manufacturer's instructions, and the results were subjected to a statistical analysis to determine the sensitivity and specificity of both tests and their association. RESULTS The immunochromatographic test provided a result within 15 min and can be performed in the field, detecting both pathogens simultaneously. The overall coincidence rate between the rapid test and the cELISA for detecting antibodies against T. equi was 93% and 92.9% for B. caballi. The rapid test's sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for T. equi were above 91.5%. Sixteen samples were positive for both parasites in the rapid test and eight in the cELISA. Either test had no significant association between T. equi and B. caballi detection. The detection rates of both parasites were significantly higher in Italy than in Greece or Israel and in donkeys than in horses. The agreement for T. equi between the results of both tests was high in Greece (93.8%) and Italy (95.2%) and moderate in Israel (76.2%). For B. caballi, the specificity and NPV of the rapid test were high (94.2% and 98.3%, respectively), although the sensitivity and PPV were moderate (69.2% and 39.1%, respectively) due to the small sample size. However, for B. caballi, the sensitivity was higher with the rapid test. CONCLUSIONS The rapid test detected T. equi and B. caballi simultaneously in the field, potentially replacing laborious cELISA testing and is recommended for import/export purposes. The test can also be helpful for the differential diagnosis of clinical cases, since seropositivity may rule out equine piroplasmosis since it does not indicate current or active infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frans Jongejan
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, Republic of South Africa.
- TBD International BV, BioScience Center, Wageningen University & Research, Runderweg 6, 8219 PK, Lelystad, The Netherlands.
| | - Cheng Du
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Valeria Blanda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A.Mirri", Palermo, Sicily, Italy
| | - Santina Di Bella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A.Mirri", Palermo, Sicily, Italy
| | - Vincenza Cannella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A.Mirri", Palermo, Sicily, Italy
| | - Annalisa Guercio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A.Mirri", Palermo, Sicily, Italy
| | - Domenico Vicari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A.Mirri", Palermo, Sicily, Italy
| | - Sharon Tirosh-Levy
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Amir Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sanna van Keulen
- TBD International BV, BioScience Center, Wageningen University & Research, Runderweg 6, 8219 PK, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Iris Hulsebos
- TBD International BV, BioScience Center, Wageningen University & Research, Runderweg 6, 8219 PK, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Berger
- TBD International BV, BioScience Center, Wageningen University & Research, Runderweg 6, 8219 PK, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Xiaojun Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China.
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Effects of Competitive ELISA-Positive Results of Piroplasmosis on the Performance of Endurance Horses. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050637. [PMID: 35268210 PMCID: PMC8909285 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a common infectious disease in southern Europe. To better understand the impact and influence of EP on the performance of endurance horses, we collected blood samples from national elite horses during different endurance competitions. The horses were tested against piroplasmosis, and several blood parameters related to performance were also evaluated. It seems that horses without clinical signs of piroplasmosis can participate without performance impairment in competitions of up to 80 km. Although it is recommended that longer distance competitions should be further evaluated, this is the first step for decision-making by organizers and participants in this sport. Abstract Endurance is an increasingly popular equestrian sport. However, in southern Europe, there is a high prevalence of horses that are asymptomatic carriers of equine piroplasmosis (EP), a tick-borne disease that could affect their performance. This study aimed to evaluate the impact and influence of EP on the performance of endurance horses. Blood samples were collected from 40 horses in Extremadura, Spain, before and after a race, in different national elite horse endurance competitions. Hematological and biochemical parameters and EP seroprevalence were analysed by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The global seroprevalence of EP was 70%, with 27 horses testing positive for Theileria equi (67.5%) and three (7.5%) for Babesia caballi, with two of these horses (5%) positive for both. Approximately 82.5% of the horses (33 of 40) completed the competition, with no influence on performance or position achieved in those with subclinical parasitosis. There were also no significant differences in hematological or biochemical values between seropositive and seronegative horses. The data suggest that horses without clinical signs of EP can participate without performance impairment in competitions of up to 80 km. Although it is recommended that longer distance competitions should be further evaluated, this is the first step for decision-making by organizers and participants in this sport.
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Spatial and Temporal Circulation of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi in France Based on Seven Years of Serological Data. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020227. [PMID: 35215171 PMCID: PMC8876836 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Caused by two blood parasites, Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, equine piroplasmosis is a tick-borne disease that poses major health and economic issues for the equine industry. Our objective was to gain insight into the spatio-temporal variations of parasite circulation in France, where the disease is known to be enzootic, but has been the subject of few studies. Seroprevalence was assessed for each parasite thanks to 16,127 equine sera obtained between 1997 and 2003 from all over France and analysed through complement fixation tests. Results indicated that 13.2% (5–27% depending on the region) of horses were seropositive for T. equi and 9.5% (3–25%) for B. caballi. Regardless of the year, horses from the southern regions of France were the most affected by B. caballi or T. equi infection, while the proportion of horses having antibodies against T. equi increased over time. These results highlight the heterogeneity of the circulation of both piroplasms, which may be linked with ecological diversity and vector distribution. Our data provide baseline information regarding the sero-epidemiology of B. caballi and T. equi infection in horses in France, making it now possible to select regions for future studies on risk factors, and design and implement effective targeted measures against equine piroplasms.
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Nadal C, Bonnet SI, Marsot M. Eco-epidemiology of equine piroplasmosis and its associated tick vectors in Europe: A systematic literature review and a meta-analysis of prevalence. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:2474-2498. [PMID: 34333863 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
When studying a vector-borne disease, an eco-epidemiological approach is vital for a comprehensive understanding of how the pathogen circulates amongst populations. Equine piroplasmosis (EP), a tick-borne disease caused by the protozoans Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, is endemic in the Mediterranean basin of Europe and causes both animal health and economic issues for the equine sector. With no vaccine available, defining the episystem of the disease can help to identify which components of the host-pathogen-vector-environment system to target to improve preventive measures. In this systematic literature review, we collected relevant data on the eco-epidemiology of EP in Europe. The 62 studies remaining after the selection procedure explored potential vectors, indicators of parasite circulation and putative risk factors of EP. Eight hard tick species were identified as potential vectors of one or both piroplasm species. Meta-analyses were then conducted on prevalence and seroprevalence data in equids in European countries, demonstrating an estimated seroprevalence of 30% and 8% and prevalence of 25% and 2% for T. equi and B. caballi, respectively. Finally, herd management practices and environmental risk factors analysed in studies showed no real consensus between studies, but revealed a general trend highlighting age and exposure to ticks as risk factors, and vaccination as a protective factor. Through this study, we point out that only a few studies have focused on disease management practices and even fewer have studied the effect of environmental parameters on equid infections. Further investigation in these areas is required to better characterize the eco-epidemiology of EP and risk factors associated with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Nadal
- Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory for Animal Health, ANSES, University Paris Est, Maisons-Alfort, France.,ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sarah I Bonnet
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Maud Marsot
- Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory for Animal Health, ANSES, University Paris Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
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Imidocarb Dipropionate Lacks Efficacy against Theileria haneyi and Fails to Consistently Clear Theileria equi in Horses Co-Infected with T. haneyi. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9121035. [PMID: 33321715 PMCID: PMC7764667 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of Theileria equi, the primary cause of equine theileriosis, is largely reliant on acaracide use and chemosterilization with imidocarb dipropionate (ID). However, it is currently unknown if ID is effective against Theileria haneyi, the recently identified second causative agent of equine theileriosis, or if the drug maintains effectiveness against T. equi in the presence of T. haneyi co-infection. The purpose of this study was to address these questions using ID treatment of the following three groups of horses: (1) five T. haneyi infected horses; (2) three T. haneyi-T. equi infected horses; and (3) three T. equi-T. haneyi infected horses. Clearance was first evaluated using nPCR for each Theileria sp. on peripheral blood samples. ID failed to clear T. haneyi in all three groups of horses, and failed to clear T. equi in two of three horses in group two. For definitive confirmation of infection status, horses in groups two and three underwent splenectomy post-treatment. The T. equi-nPCR-positive horses in group two developed severe clinical signs and were euthanized. Remaining horses exhibited moderate signs consistent with T. haneyi. Our results demonstrate that ID therapy lacks efficacy against T. haneyi, and T. haneyi-T. equi co-infection may interfere with ID clearance of T. equi.
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Tirosh-Levy S, Gottlieb Y, Fry LM, Knowles DP, Steinman A. Twenty Years of Equine Piroplasmosis Research: Global Distribution, Molecular Diagnosis, and Phylogeny. Pathogens 2020; 9:E926. [PMID: 33171698 PMCID: PMC7695325 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP), caused by the hemoparasites Theileria equi, Theileria haneyi, and Babesia caballi, is an important tick-borne disease of equines that is prevalent in most parts of the world. Infection may affect animal welfare and has economic impacts related to limitations in horse transport between endemic and non-endemic regions, reduced performance of sport horses and treatment costs. Here, we analyzed the epidemiological, serological, and molecular diagnostic data published in the last 20 years, and all DNA sequences submitted to GenBank database, to describe the current global prevalence of these parasites. We demonstrate that EP is endemic in most parts of the world, and that it is spreading into more temperate climates. We emphasize the importance of using DNA sequencing and genotyping to monitor the spread of parasites, and point to the necessity of further studies to improve genotypic characterization of newly recognized parasite species and strains, and their linkage to virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Tirosh-Levy
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (Y.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Yuval Gottlieb
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (Y.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Lindsay M. Fry
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (L.M.F.); (D.P.K.)
- Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Donald P. Knowles
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (L.M.F.); (D.P.K.)
| | - Amir Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (Y.G.); (A.S.)
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